Director Juan Antonio Bayona has stepped down from directing Brad Pitt’s sequel to “World War Z” for Paramount.

The studio disclosed Bayona’s departure late Monday, adding that it still plans to make the film this year. The film is scheduled for release on June 9, 2017.

"Because of pre-existing film commitments, Bayona is not able to make ‘World War Z’ this year, and it is our ambition to do so," Paramount said. "He is a wonderful director and we hope to work with him soon."

Pitt is producing “World War Z 2” with Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner and Ian Bryce. Bayona, whose credits include “A Monster Calls” and “The Impossible,” had been attached to direct since late 2013.